So You Wanna Swing?

By Mike PerryKettlebell Training, MMA, Strength

Qualify. Pattern. Grind. Practice/train. When it comes to exercise selection, you would think that common sense would go a long way. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Let me start with this. If an athlete is constantly getting injured due to workouts with his/her strength coach, the athlete should fire the coach immediately. Strength coaches should help you … Read More

Core Training Exercises for MMA

By Mike PerryStrength 3 Comments

If you know anything about contact sports, you probably agree that having a strong mid-section is not a terrible thing. Core strength is a must in MMA and coaches and athletes all agree that your core cannot be too strong. Here are my favorite core training exercises for fighters. These specific drills are high-tension drills. Be careful … Read More

Our New Website is Live!

By Amanda PerryConditioning, Nutrition, Sports Performance

We’re happy to announce that our new website is live!!!! We’re making some pretty awesome changes at Skill of Strength, our gym in Chelmsford, MA, this summer and we want you to be a part of it. See what’s new at Skill of Strength including: Improved membership options for adults! Our MOVE. group training program … Read More

Keep the Goal the Goal – Strength Development

By Mike PerryMMA, Strength

What’s your goal? What qualities are you trying to improve? Do you have smart progressions in your programs? What about de-loads? In my humble opinion, you should have a sound logical reason for everything you do. Remember, success leaves clues and it’s not necessary to re-invent the strength and conditioning wheel. If you read a … Read More

Relax and Win

By Mike PerryMMA 3 Comments

Do not be tense, just be ready, not thinking but not dreaming, not being set but being flexible. It is being “wholly” and quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come. -Bruce Lee Just like strength, relaxation is a skill. It’s a vital skill that is vastly overlooked in the strength and conditioning … Read More

Top 5 Grip Training Exercises for MMA

By Mike PerryMMA, Strength

A few fighters and Strength Coaches have asked me the following question recently. “What are the best “bang for your buck” exercises for fighters. My answer(s) are always the same: Grip work Core work Posterior chain strength I realize these answers are pretty vague, but these types of exercises are vital for fighters looking to improve their fight game. … Read More

The Post-Fight Training Block

By Mike PerryMMA, Strength 3 Comments

You just finished a fight…what’s next? What changes will you make? Do you have strength and conditioning game plan? Should you jump into the same old routine? Are you planning to start another strength cycle? Is your goal conditioning-based? What qualities are you trying to develop? If you are planning on fighting in another 12 … Read More